Academics
General Studies for Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science in Education
- Communication
- Composition
- Fine Arts
- Global & Social Awareness
- Government
- Health/Wellness
- History
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Physical Activities
- Reason & Values
- Science
Philosophy of General Studies
(Bachelor of Applied Science general studies requirements are listed with Technical Occupations major.)
The principal educational goal of Chadron State College is students’ intellectual development, which is best achieved through offering high quality educational opportunities. The College endorses a plan of study that promotes depth & proficiency in a single subject area as well as a breadth of knowledge crossing many academic disciplines. The General Studies Program is designed to encourage broader intellectual development by offering a variety of stimulating courses taught by instructors with expertise in their fields. This structured inquiry into the wider world of knowledge provides each student with avenues for self-discovery. The General Studies Program aims to produce constructively critical, intellectually curious graduates who are informed on global & social issues & who recognize the importance of their individual contributions towards creating a better world.
Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must complete the following General Studies program in addition to either a comprehensive major (48-57 hours) or field endorsement, or a subject major (30-36 hours) & minor (18-21 hours). Transfer students who possess an Associate of Arts degree need only complete six (6) upper division hours, three each in the categories of Global & Social Awareness, & Reason & Values. Students with an Associate of Science or an Associate of Occupational Studies degree should consult a CSC academic advisor for additional courses in general studies that may be required.
NOTE: Up to (9) hours of general studies courses can apply toward any comprehensive major or any minor. No courses required in a subject major (30-36 hours) can be used to meet General Studies Program requirements. Some degree programs specify general studies courses; check the program requirements for the major you are seeking.
Communication
3 Hours, selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| B A 331 | Business Communications | 3 |
| C A 125 | Fundamentals of Oral Comm | 3 |
| C A 130 | Interpersonal Comm | 3 |
| C A 225 | Comm in Groups & Teams | 3 |
| C A 230 | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | 3 |
| C A 233 | Presentation Speaking | 3 |
Student Learning Outcome for Communication: Students will communicate effectively & responsibility through speaking & listening.
Performance Criteria for Communication:
All students will meet the following performance criteria:
- Demonstrate understanding of the ethical aspects of listening;
- Demonstrate ability to engage in the five-step process of listening, receiving, understanding, remembering, evaluating, & responding.
Students will meet one of the following three performance criteria depending on course selection:
- Demonstrate understanding of creating & delivering an effective speech;
- Demonstrate knowledge of factors affecting interpersonal interaction including conflict resolution, intercultural issues, nonverbal & verbal communication;
- Demonstrate understanding of how to effectively communicate in groups.
Composition
6 Hours, selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 135 | Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 136 | Composition II | 3 |
| ENG 137 | Technical Writing I | 3 |
| ENG 240 | Advanced Grammar & Comp | 3 |
Developmental writing courses are required for students scoring below 19 on the ACT verbal exam. Consult the Advising Center in Crites Hall or the English Department for more information.
Student Learning Outcome for Composition: Students will discover, express, & advocate ideas clearly & effectively in Standard Edited English.
Performance Criteria for Composition:
Students should be able to:
- Conduct research as a series of tasks, including finding, evaluating, analyzing, & synthesizing appropriate sources;
- Compose essays using processes that involve invention, revision, & editing;
- Read, evaluate, & use sources critically & analytically;
- Follow conventions of Standard Edited English in finished compositions.
Fine Arts
3 Hours, selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 239 | Elements of Art | 3 |
| MUS 235 | Elements of Music | 3 |
| ENG 233 | Elements of Literature | 3 |
| TH 235 | Elements of Theatre | 3 |
Student Learning Outcome for Fine Arts: Students will experience the fine arts & develop critical understanding & appreciation of those arts.
Performance Criteria for Fine Arts:
Students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a mastery of the technical language of various arts;
- Demonstrate an understanding of what features of various arts make them successful;
- Use their knowledge of the features & language of the arts to evaluate artistic texts, works, & performances.
Global & Social Awareness
6 Hours (3 hours MUST be upper division), selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AGRI 431 | International Food Policy | 3 |
| ANTH 231 | Intro to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| BIOL 448/448L | Ethnob. of the N. Plains & Lab | 4 |
| ECON 130 | Survey of Economics | 3 |
| ECON 332 | International Econ & Societies | 3 |
| ENG 436 | World Literature | 3 |
| FCS 335 | Families in Society | 3 |
| FCS 436 | Global Food Systems | 3 |
| GEOS 137 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
| GEOG 300 | World Cultures | 3 |
| HIST 320 | The Asian Cultural Realm | 3 |
| HONS 200 | Honors Seminar | 3 |
| HUM 335 | Comparative Religion | 3 |
| HUM 432 | World Mythology | 3 |
| ITE 331 | Humankind, Society & Tech. | 3 |
| MUS 330 | African-American Popular Music | 3 |
| P S 332 | International Politics | 3 |
| PHYS 435 | World Environmental Issues | 3 |
| PSYC 421 | Culture & Psychology | 3 |
| S S 323 | Law & the American Society | 3 |
| SOC 230 | Society: Global Comparison | 3 |
| SOC 335 | Ethnic & Minority Group Relat | 3 |
| SOC 340 | Social Change | 3 |
| SPAN 131 | First Year Spanish I or appropriate course to enhance competency in Spanish | 3 |
International, multicultural, & other special program which instill global & social awareness may be petitioned to Academic Review to meet the Global & Social Awareness requirements. Written petitions should be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Student Learning Outcome for Global & Social Awareness: Students will understand & be sensitive to cultural diversity & attain knowledge of an appreciation for various cultures & societies.
Performance Criteria for Global & Social Awareness: Depending on the course selected, students will meet one of the following performance criteria.
Students should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the values & lifestyles of various cultures;
- Demonstrate understanding of the contributions of various cultures to the human enterprise;
- Demonstrate understanding & knowledge of human behavior in different spatial or temporal or institutional contexts.
Government
3 Hours, selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HONS 201 | Human Society | 3 |
| P S 231 | American National Government | 3 |
| P S 341 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
Student Learning Outcomes for Government: (1) Students will develop an informed, critical, & articulate sense of political ideas central to governance, political institutions, & political processes. (2) Students will develop familiarity with contemporary political leaders, events, & trends. In doing so, students will demonstrate an ability to discuss politics in informative, critical, & persuasive manners through written & verbal communications.
Performance Criteria for Government:
Students should be able to:
- 1a. Describe major concepts central to popular governance, such as security, liberty, equality, rights, & institutions;
- 1b. Identify the causes & consequences of major periods of political development in American & world politics, focusing on varying types of governing systems & philosophies;
- 1c. Describe the development, purpose, & function of the primary institutions of democratic governance.
- 2a. Write logically & persuasively;
- 2b. Use proper grammar & punctuation;
- 2c. Make arguments & draw conclusions on political issues & support these claims in a logical & consistent manner;
- 2d. Critically evaluate written & verbal arguments presented in class, recognizing the strengths & weaknesses of varying ideas.
Health/Wellness
3 Hours, selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FCS 337 | Nutrition | 3 |
| HPER 233 | Health/Wellness | 3 |
Student Learning Outcome for Health/Wellness: Produce positive changes in the student through the knowledge of nutrition, personal health habits & physical activities which enhance the personal living environment.
Performance Criteria for Health/Wellness:
Students should be able to:
Health
- Access, analyze, & evaluate health information, products & services in other to become health literate consumers;
- Demonstrate goal-setting & decision-making skills to address issues related to personal, family, & community health;
- Identify & practice health-enhancing behaviors & reduce health risks to live safer, healthier lives.
Nutrition
- Name & describe seven types of nutrients;
- Describe the Food Guide Pyramid & the number of servings for each food group in the pyramid;
- Describe the different types of fats & explain their effects on the human body.
History
6 Hours, selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 232 | U.S. History Since 1877 | 3 |
| HIST 233 | Western Civilization I | 3 |
| HIST 234 | Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HONS 201 | Human Society | 3 |
Student Learning Outcomes for History: (1) Students will develop an informed, critical, & articulate sense of the past, an appreciation for the diversity of the human experience within the Western World, & an awareness of the role of tradition, people, & past events in shaping the present. (2) Students will write effectively & evaluate the written expression of others.
Performance Criteria for History:
Students should be able to:
- 1a. Identify & relate the causes & consequences of the major turning points in either the History of Western Civilization or United States History, including but not limited to the Rise & Fall of Rome, the Scientific Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, & Great Depression, World Wars I & II, & the Cold War;
- 1b. Define the major political, economic, & social trends for the course(s) of study;
- 1c. Describe the interactions of various people with one another, including the short- & long-term consequences of those encounters; and
- 1d. Trace the migration patterns of people across the globe & assess the effects of such movement.
- 2a. Write logically & persuasively;
- 2b. Use proper grammar & punctuation;
- 2c. Read critically the writing of others;
- 2d. View writing as a process requiring planning, drafting, & revising; and
- 2e. Use standard English.
Humanities
3 Hours, selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HONS 101 | Human Nature | 3 |
| HUM 231 | The Humanistic Tradition | 3 |
| PHIL 231 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
Student Learning Outcome for Humanities: Students will understand & appreciate the human experience through the distinctive characteristics of the humanistic perspective.
Performance Criteria for Humanities:
Students should be able to:
- Demonstrate familiarity with major works (oral, written, & visual) & key figures in the humanities;
- Recognize & analyze significant traditions or important themes that are reflected in or contained in these works;
- Apply an understanding of these humanistic themes to their own lives.
Mathematics
3 Hours
The following matrix is designed to aid the student in enrolling in the appropriate Mathematics course. If a student’s ACT Math test score is 1-18, the student must take the ASSET test for proper advising. If the ACT Math test score is 19 or higher, the student should be advised to take a Mathematics course based upon the following matrix & value added placement:
| ACT Math Score | Recommended Math Course |
|---|---|
| 1-15 | ACFS-007M Basic Math |
| 16-18 | MATH 016 Introductory or Intermediate Algebra |
| 16-18 | MATH 100 Pre-college Algebra |
| >19 | MATH 142 College Algebra or value added |
| High School Background | Value Added Placement for Mathematic Courses | |
|---|---|---|
| No Algebra | MATH 133 | Intro to Mathematics, 3 hrs. |
| 1 Year Algebra | MATH 132 | Applied Mathematics, 3 hrs. (if Elementary Education Major) |
| MATH 137 | Math Topics for Elem Teachers, 3 hrs. (if Elementary Education Major) | |
| MATH 232 | Applied Statistics, 3 hrs. | |
| 1 Year Algebra and 1 Year Geometry |
MATH 142 | College Algebra, 4 hrs. |
| 2 Years Algebra | MATH 138 | Applied Calculus, 3 hrs. |
| MATH 142 | College Algebra, 4 hrs. | |
| MATH 232 | Applied Statistics, 3 hrs. | |
| 2 Years Algebra and 1 Year Geometry |
MATH 134 | Plane Trigonometry, 3 hrs. |
| MATH 135 | Pre-Calculus Mathematics, 3 hrs. | |
| 4 Years Math including Trigonometry |
MATH 138 | Applied Calculus, 3 hrs. |
| MATH 232 | Applied Statistics, 3 hrs. | |
Student Learning Outcome for Mathematics: Students will develop quantitative & logical reasoning abilities needed in all disciplines, the workplace, & for informed citizenship.
Performance Criteria for Mathematics:
Students should be able to:
- Communicate quantitative ideas using mathematical terminology;
- Demonstrate skill manipulating mathematical expressions;
- College, organize, & analyze data;
- Model & solve problems mathematically.
Physical Activities
2 Hours, selected from:
HPER 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 110, 111, 112, 117, 118, 119, 202, 203, 205, 206, 210, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219
Student Learning Outcome for Physical Activities: Produce positive changes in the student through the knowledge of physical activities which enhance the personal living environment.
Performance Criteria for Physical Activities:
Students should be able to:
- Participate regularly in physical activity;
- Exhibit responsible personal & social behavior that respects self & others in physical activity settings;
- Value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.
Reason & Values
3 Hours, selected from:
| Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| B A 431 | 3 | |
| HONS 301 | 3 | |
| PHIL 333 | 3 | |
| PHIL 432 | 3 | |
| PHIL 433 | 3 |
Student Learning Outcome for Reason & Values: Students will develop skills in critical thinking & argumentation. In BA 431 & Phil 432, students will focus on arguments about ethical issues.
Performance Criteria for Reason & Values:
Students should be able to:
- Identify & understand the structure of various arguments. In BA 431, Phil 432 & Phil 433, students will examine arguments used to defend ethical positions;
- Evaluate arguments, taking different perspectives into account. In BA 43, Phil 432 & Phil 433, students will evaluate arguments for ethical positions, using different ethical theories to help provide different perspectives on the issues at stake;
- Construct clear & well-structured arguments, anticipating & dealing with various challenges to those arguments that might arise. In BA 431, Phil 432 & Phil 433, students will construct arguments defending ethical positions.
Science
6 Hours, one course from each area, one course must include a lab
Directions for matrix use:
- All students are required to complete 6 hours of science with 3 hours selected from Biological Science & 3 hours selected from Physical Science. At least one laboratory course is required.
- If a student has no high school preparation in science or has undergone a long hiatus between high school & college, it is recommended that courses listed under: No Biology, General Science or Physical Science be used.
- When a student has multiple science courses at the high school level, the most advanced course should be used for selection of appropriate value added college courses.
Biology
| High School Background | Value Added Placement for Biological Science Courses | |
|---|---|---|
| No Biology | BIOL 121/121L | Human Anat/Physiology & Lab, 3 hrs. |
| BIOL 136/136L | Biological Science & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
| BIOL 331 | Human Sexuality, 3 hrs. | |
| 1 Year Biology | BIOL 121/121L | Human Anat/Physiology & Lab, 3 hrs. |
| BIOL 131 | Fundamentals Of Cellular Biology, 3 hrs. | |
| BIOL 138/138L | General Botany & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
| BIOL 139/139L | General Zoology & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
| BIOL 331 | Human Sexuality, 3 hrs. | |
| BIOL 337 | Environmental Management, 3 hrs. | |
| 2 Years Biology | BIOL 138/138L | General Botany & Lab, 3 hrs. |
| BIOL 139/139L | General Zoology & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
| BIOL 331 | Human Sexuality, 3 hrs. | |
| BIOL 337 | Environmental Management, 3 hrs | |
| BIOL 431/431L | Ethnobotany & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
Physical Science
| High School Background | Value Added Placement for Biological Science Courses | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year General Science or 1 Year Physical Science |
GEOS 130 | Earth Science, 3 hrs |
| GEOS 137 | Environmental Geology, 3 hrs. | |
| GEOS 231/231L | Physical Geology & Lab, 4 hrs. | |
| PHYS 135 | Physical Science, 3 hrs. | |
| PHYS 333/333L | Astronomy & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
| PHYS 330 | Phys Sci for the Elem & Middle Grades Teacher, 3 hrs. | |
| PHYS 334 | Meteorology, 3 hrs. | |
| 1 Year Chemistry | CHEM 131/131L | College Chemistry I & Lab, 4 hrs. |
| CHEM 140/140L | General Chemistry & Lab, 4 hrs. | |
| 1 Year Physics | PHYS 151/151L | College Physics I & Lab, 5 hrs. |
| PHYS 333/333L | Astronomy & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
| PHYS 334 | Meteorology, 3 hrs. | |
| 1 Year Earth Science | GEOS 137 | Environmental Geology, 3 hrs. |
| GEOS 231/231L | Physical Geology & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
| PHYS 333/333L | Astronomy & Lab, 3 hrs. | |
| PHYS 334 | Meteorology, 3 hrs. | |
Student Learning Outcome for Science: Students will acquire an understanding of the fundamental principles of the natural sciences & apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world & its connections with culture & society.
Performance Criteria for Science:
Students should be able to:
- Gather & critically evaluate data;
- Participate in scientific inquiry;
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the natural sciences;
- Explore the historical development of scientific ideas & the progressive nature of science.